Trails

​The Municipality of Chatham-Kent maintains over 226 km of recreational trails and pathways, and more trails are being planned in partnership with communities across the region. Ranging in length from 500 m to 32 km, the trails have been constructed with a variety of surfaces to appeal to walkers, runners and cyclists. Another 60 km of additional trails are located in Provincial Parks and Conservations Areas within the municipality.

Two well-known multi-use trails also pass through the borders of Chatham-Kent:

Trail Maps

View a digital version of our Chatham-Kent Trail Map or pick up a paper copy from one of your local Municipal Service Centres or libraries. This booklet features maps of over 55 unique trails located across Chatham-Kent. Enjoy an interactive version of this map below featuring 59 of our amazing trails!

WALK-tober

October is fast approaching and during this month we will be hosting WALK-tober. This initiative is to encourage families to get out and get active as the year slowly creeps into winter. This contest is centred around getting children out, getting children active, and exploring their local trails and nature.

Prize Packs:

  • CK Trail Backpack
  • CK Trail or CK Public Health branded water bottle
  • Boston Pizza 5 Free Kids Meal Card
  • Trail Themed Playdough Kit from Wild Child Imagination Studio out of Chatham
  • Trail Themed Pom Hat from East Coast Creations out of Ridgetown
  • Going on a Leaf Hunt Book to promote Physical Literacy
  • One Free Swim Pass 

5 Prize packs will include additional prizes such as:

  • Custom Name Engraved Mugs from Rubies Inc out of Chatham
  • Ontario Parks Annual Pass (valid until December 31, 2022)
  • Lower Thames Conservation Area Parking Pass
  • A little tree from ReLEAF Chatham-Kent

How to Enter:

  • Download the McGeachy Pond Colouring Page.
  • Colour the colouring page, fill out the contact information: name, age, what community you are from and your favourite trail. 
  • Take one photo of the colouring page and a second photo of your child holding their colouring page on their favourite trail. 
  • Send the photos to CKTrails@chatham-kent.ca.
  • Each week (4 Weeks) 5 winners will be chosen- please only submit once per child as the winners will be randomly selected from those that enter.
  • Their colouring pages will be featured on the CK Trail Social Media Pages.

Trail Etiquette

  • Stay on the trail to avoid disturbing vegetation and private property.
  • Walking pedestrians have the right of way on recreational trails (cyclists, rollerbladers and runners should pass on the left when possible).
  • Do not litter - leave the trail cleaner than when you arrived.
  • Respect the privacy of those living along urban recreational trails.
  • No motorized vehicles are permitted on municipal recreational trails.
  • Trails are not maintained in the winter months - use them at your own risk.
  • Respect Chatham-Kent Public Health off-road safety recommendations.

By-laws

Chatham-Kent Off-Road Vehicle By-Law #32-2017 does not permit off-road vehicles (ORVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on trails, pathways, parks or any recreational land. Parks By-Law #19-2016 is to be followed on all trails and park pathways.

Chatham-Kent Trails Council

The Chatham-Kent Trails Council is our community partner in trail planning, building and maintenance. They are a team of dedicated volunteers who have promoted trails for more than a decade. The Municipality works closely with this group, whose members provide guidance on trail development and assist with identifying future trail building priorities and required trail upgrades. The Chatham-Kent Trails Council is also a member of the Ontario Trails Council, a non-profit organization that promotes the creation, development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails province-wide.

For more information on The Chatham-Kent Trails Council please visit the Chatham-Kent Trails website.

Community Youth Initiatives

Chatham Christian School partnered with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent on a project highlighting Mud Creek and the important role this municipal drain and wildlife preserve plays in our community. The grade 7 students researched and created interpretive signage posted along the pathway, and the grade 8 students created a video showing the importance of Mud Creek to our community. Watch their video on Mud Creek here and be sure to take a walk around Mud Creek and read the information signs along the way!